Alijah W. Sumrell, a 23-year-old African American male from Peoria, Illinois, tragically lost his life on January 29, 2019. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning when Peoria Police responded to a ShotSpotter alert indicating gunfire in the 200 block of East Virginia Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered Alijah W. Sumrell lying on the ground next to a vehicle, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was immediately transported to OSF St. Francis Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The investigation revealed that Alijah W. Sumrell was not the only victim of this violent act. His close friend, 22-year-old Braden M. Huerta, was also found at the scene, inside the vehicle, with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Both men were identified through fingerprints and body tattoos as neither had identification on them at the time. The Peoria County Coroner confirmed that both men likely died instantly from their injuries.
Despite the efforts of the Peoria Police Department, no suspects have been identified, and the case remains unsolved. The police have urged anyone with information to come forward, but as of now, there have been no arrests or significant leads in the investigation. The double homicide has left the community in shock, and both families are seeking justice for their loved ones.
Alijah W. Sumrell was a dedicated member of the U.S. Army and was actively involved in his community. His untimely death has left a void in the lives of his family and friends, who remember him as a committed and caring individual. The ongoing investigation continues to seek answers and bring those responsible to justice.
